On Wednesday evening, May 24, Columbia County School District kicked off the graduation season by recognizing over 250 seniors from Harlem High School — half of whom earned honors.
To start the ceremony, Senior Class President Travis Dalton spoke on the student body’s resilience during the unsure times of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We continue to work hard and strive for excellence in the face of adversity,” he said. “As we move forward, we must continue to be adaptable, resilient and compassionate; we must never forget the importance of coming together as a community to support each other and overcome the challenges that lie ahead … we appreciate the Harlem community, and for all the support it has shown us over the last four years.”
Superintendent Steven Flynt spoke on the many achievements earned by the Class of 2023, inside and outside the classroom.
Accomplishments by this year’s Harlem graduates include: several full-ride scholarships, the prestigious honor of Georgia Scholar, honor band and all-state finalists, best actors in state one-act play competitions, the first baseball state championship win since 1986, the first historic region championship for football since 1974 and the girl’s softball team’s 11th consecutive win at regional championships.
“On behalf of the Columbia County School District, I extend to you our sincere congratulations,” he said. “This shows your dedication and commitment to success, and it is only the beginning of what we know will be a bright and promising start to your future.”
Flynt said the district’s mission is to lead the nation in educational excellence where each student is engaged, enriched and inspired, and he believes this year’s group of graduates from Harlem High built an incredible foundation for future students.
“To all our graduates, let me say, job well done and congratulations to Harlem High School’s Class of 2023,” he said.
Following Flynt, Class Salutatorian Trinatee Belk spoke on her personal journey at Harlem, and how it has forever changed her.
“Here’s the truth about my experience at Harlem High – I have so much love in my heart for this school and all the people that it holds. I’m so glad I was able to be involved in classes, clubs and sports that brought me closer to the people that I call ‘my people,’” said Belk. “I will always remember the comfortable excitement I felt when I was on the field with my amazing coaches and all of my girls as we watched Harlem football making history.”
Belk also said that being at Harlem High and connecting with peers allowed her to grow past her own self doubts and mental health issues to become a better person.
“I’m so thankful for this school, because it gave me the opportunity to love so many great people. Even through the hardships each and every one of us were facing on our own,” she said. “This class is strong. We know loss – loss of people and time. COVID basically stripped us of more than half of our high school journey, and along with that came the loss of a lot of friends and a lot of family members. This class never gave up, and we definitely left our mark.”
Belk then ended her speech by expressing feelings of pride for all her fellow graduates, and that she hopes each and everyone will find happiness in success.
“You guys are so loved and valued beyond measure, and I hope that each and every one of you can create a life that you are proud of, because you deserve it. We all do,” she said. “‘If you’re happy doing what you’re doing, no one can tell you that you are not successful.’ So I pray for success for all of you – whatever that may be. I hope you achieve it.”
Class Valedictorian Morgan Gunby then delivered a heartfelt speech about moving forward, to the next phase while not forgetting the important moments the seniors shared in each other’s lives.
“All of these little moments make up a bigger moment that we call life. Appreciate the moments that you’ve been given, and the people that you get to spend them with, because all good things must come to an end eventually,” she said. “Never take another moment for granted … Harlem is home. Not just the place, but the insurmountable amount of memories, traditions and love. In reflecting on my years at Harlem, one word comes to mind – family. I realize now that I didn’t just make friends at Harlem, but I became part of one large family.”
As parents shed tears while Gunby spoke, Gunby reminded students and faculty of the many memories they created together.
“We share a special bond that I know will continue on for many years to come,” she said. “As you go out into the world, I hope you never forget that it’s not about leaving, but about what you’ve left behind … remember that you are the main character of your story, so do the things that scare you and the things that keep you up at night … yes, we all want our stories to have a happy ending, but don’t focus so much on the ending that you don’t appreciate your journey along the way.”
As an ASD educator and wrestling coach, Harlem High School’s Teacher of the Year Kevin Waters said he was excited to see all the students mark this momentous occasion, and celebrate the future together.
“It’s fantastic to see, and I just hope they know how much we cared about them,” he said. “Just to see the kids that I’ve coached the last few years accomplish this is amazing … It’s nice to see them just walk across and go into that next stage of life.”
As seniors took their final steps as high schoolers, loud and joyous cheers could be heard throughout the ceremony from classmates, parents and friends.
“Class of 2023, it’s now time to say our goodbyes. Our journey has come to an end now, however, your’s continues on,” said Belk as she held back tears. “Take hold of your dreams and make them come true; I can’t wait to see what all of you accomplish. I am proud of each and every one of you, and forever grateful for all of the moments that brought us here.”
The ceremony concluded with students changing their tassels, singing the school alma mater and throwing their caps in joyous celebration after each senior walked across the stage to receive their diploma. After the event, many students were seen hugging their teachers and saying one last farewell, or taking memorable photos together before parting ways one final time.
“I’m so glad [my son] finally made it,” said Sherrill Germany, parent to graduating senior Cameron Germany. “I’m just so excited to see my son progress in his career and work towards the future.”
